Seagate NAS OS 4 - How to Setup and Connect to an iSCSI Target on Windows

Provides instructions for configuring and connecting to an iSCSI target using NAS OS.

iSCSI stands for "Internet Small Computer Systems Interface". iSCSI is an extension of the standard SCSI storage interface that allows SCSI commands to be sent over an IP based network. It enables computers to access iSCSI Targets over a network the same way they would access a drive that is directly connected to a computer.

The Microsoft iSCSI Initiator will be used to connect to an iSCSI target from a Windows 7, 8, or other Windows PC. The iSCSI Initiator can connect to an iSCSI target by the Seagate NAS Host Name or by IP Address. If it has been decided to connect by IP address, it is suggested the NAS be setup with a Static / Manual IP Address in advance.

Go to the Network section of the NAS Administrative page to setup a Static IP Address.

Access the administrator's page of the Seagate NAS by launching the Seagate Network Assistant and pressing the “Web access to the NAS OS Dashboard” button, or by typing the IP address or Hostname of the device in the address bar of a web browser.

The ISCSI protocol is available on NAS OS 4.0 products, but with some restricted functionalities:

A LUN can be only mapped to a single Target.

LUN file mode only, created on volume.

LUN block mode not supported.

A LUN file is always attached to a target : You create a target and consequently a LUN file is created. LUN files cannot exist without a target.

Creating the iSCSI Target

Log in to the NAS Welcome page as admin or a user with administrative privileges.

On the Home page click the Device Manager icon.

In the list of choices on the left click Volume located under Storage.

Click the “Add iSCSI” button under Associated iSCSI targets.

Select “Create new” and click Next.

Set the capacity and Advanced parameters (optional) and click Next.

iSCSI target capacity is limited to 8TB total or to the available free space of the NAS.

A note on iSCSI "Advanced parameters (optional)":

Header Digest - Increases data integrity. It ensures the validity of the header portion of the protocol data unit.

Authorized IQN - IQN stands for (iSCSI qualified name). The IQN Identifies a particular iSCSI element, regardless of its physical location. The IQN can be found in the iSCSI Initiator in the Windows OS that will be using the iSCSI target.

If an IQN from a Windows Server or Workstation is assigned as an Authorized IQN, only that system will be able to connect to the iSCSI Target.

Click Finish to confirm the selections.

When the iSCSI Target has been created, it will show as disconnected. An Edit dropdown menu is available to Delete the iSCSI Target, Edit Options, or Export.